Victims tricked into handing over money by a woman beggar are urged to get in contact with police.

Officers are trying to trace victims after the woman used a hard luck story to trick people into giving her cash.

She is known to have targeted The Oracle shopping centre and to have knocked on front doors in Mansfield Road, Wensley Road, Brook Street West in Coley, South Street in Katesgrove, and Parkside Road in Tilehurst.

PC Aaron Gibbs, who is investigating the incident, said: “This type of offence may appear minor but it can have a massive impact on the community and makes people feel very uncomfortable.”

Anyone with any information should contact PC Gibbs on 08458 505 505.

- A 29-year-old Newbury woman has been arrested on suspicion of fraud as part of the investi-gation and has been bailed to return to Loddon Valley police station on Monday.